4 brilliant things to do this January

From walking tours to inspiring podcasts, here’s our selection of four activities for the start of 2023

Take a tour of Shakespeare’s world

Shakespeare’s Globe in London is offering a range of special guided tours this winter, including a ‘True Crimes’ walking trip along Bankside, which explores the criminal history of the area, from duels to the Bard’s own brush with the law. Within the theatre itself, visitors can enjoy a ‘Ghosts and Ghouls’ family tour, which delves into the Shakespearean obsession with all things supernatural, or a specially curated Pride route, which celebrates the queer history of the venue. Top this off with a twilight walking tour and you’ll feel truly immersed in the theatre of Elizabethan London.

Shakespeare’s Globe tours, various dates

shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on

Support Welsh arts and crafts

Head to the seaside resort of Llandudno for bracing beach walks and a visit to Mostyn, the town’s public art gallery. This month you can indulge in some new year shopping, as the gallery has a curated selection of contemporary prints, jewellery, textiles and ceramics on sale, all made by independent artisans with strong links to Wales. The Rooted in Wales showcase includes handmade homewares from Glosters Pottery, recycled silver pieces made by Lima Lima Jewellery and fused glassware from Pam Peters Designs.

Rooted in Wales, until 21 January

mostyn.org/event/rooted-in-wales

Get to grips with the arts through a podcast

The Lonely Palette podcast is a fantastic listen for anyone wanting to get in-depth insight into works of art from throughout history. Host Tamar Avishai is highly informed (credentials include being podcaster in residence at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston), homing in on one work of art per episode. For example, find out exactly why Grant Wood’s American Gothic has long entranced viewers, how Mary Cassatt blazed a path for the female gaze and why Georgia O’Keeffe was obsessed with bones. 

thelonelypalette.com/episodes

Art historian Kate Bryan, artist Tai Shan Schierenberg and curator Kathleen Soriano judge works in the competition

Catch up with Portrait Artist of the Year

If you missed Season 9 of this quest to find the next great portrait artist, make the most of these wintry evenings to catch up. It’s informative viewing, as you discover the myriad approaches artists take in such work. Guest sitters include poet Benjamin Zephaniah, author Candice Carty-Williams and singer Lulu, as hopeful artists attempt to catch their likeness and impress the judges.

Portrait Artist of the Year

Available via Sky Arts and Now TV

For more art and culture events see The Arts Society Magazine, available exclusively to members and supporters of The Arts Society (to join, see theartssociety.org/member-benefits). And for our online monthly ‘4 brilliant things to do this month’, sign up at theartssociety.org/signup